The DStv Premiership show continues with five games to look forward to this evening. Sundowns look to return to winning ways when they face Stellenbosch in Pretoria, before two KZN derbies are on the horizon as AmaZulu entertain Golden Arrows, and Royal AM host Maritzburg United.
Wednesday 24 August
Sundowns 11/20 | Draw 28/10 | Stellenbosch FC 52/10 (17:00)
Mamelodi Sundowns seem to be struggling for consistency in the DStv Premiership with just two wins from their opening four matches. In their last tie, Downs disappointingly drew 1-1 at Sekhukhune United. Stellenbosch have proven tough to beat this season and are yet to lose in their opening four encounters. They come off the back of a 1-1 stalemate against local rivals, Cape Town City, who beat Kaizer Chiefs last night. They also drew with Orlando Pirates and beat Royal AM. It’s not going to be easy, but my money is on Sundowns to edge Stellies.
Chippa United 27/20 | 37/20 | TS Galaxy 22/10 (19:30)
Chippa United come into this off the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat in KwaZulu-Natal, losing to Maritzburg United. Prior to that, the Chilli Boys claimed their only win of the season against Orlando Pirates. TS Galaxy have enjoyed one of the more eye-catching teams to watch this term. The Rockets have amassed eight points after four matches. They are yet to taste defeat and haven’t even conceded a goal. It would be silly not to back TS Galaxy tonight. Get on at 22/10.
AmaZulu 11/10 | Draw 37/20 | Golden Arrows 3/1 (19:30)
One of two KZN derbies to take place this evening sees AmaZulu face off against Golden Arrows. Usuthu sit atop the DStv Premiership with three wins and just one draw from their opening four ties. They’re the joint-top scorers in the division and seem difficult to oppose at the moment. Golden Arrows are at the bottom of the pile coming into tonight’s matches, failing to win a game this term. AmaZulu should claim derby bragging rights here.
Royal AM 27/20 | 19/10 | Maritzburg United 23/10 (19:30)
Royal AM have been the neutrals’ favourite team to watch this season after playing an exciting brand of football whilst also finding the back of the net with regularity. Their downfall, however, is that they’ve conceded just as many goals, proving how entertaining they can be – whether it is with good reason or not. Maritzburg United are unbeaten in three games. After goalless draws against Swallows and Cape Town City, they beat Chippa United 2-1. Still, I fancy Royal AM to get the job done at Chatsworth Stadium.
Orlando Pirates 6/10 | Draw 5/2 | Marumo Gallants 5/1 (19:30)
Orlando Pirates are tipped by many to be Mamelodi Sundowns’ closest rivals at the end of the campaign, but their inconsistency has put an early dent in their potential title charge. In their last three ties, Pirates have lost to Chippa, beaten Royal AM and drawn to SuperSport United. Marumo Gallants have been labelled as the early draw kings of the DStv Premiership, drawing all four of their matches so far. In front of their home crowd, perhaps it’s worth backing Orlando Pirates, but not with much confidence.
16/10 Richards Bay | Draw 9/10 | SuperSport 21/10 (19:30)
The new Natal side, Richards Bay, finally succumbed to an opponent in Kaizer Chiefs after a good start to their first top-flight campaign.
The omission of captain Katlego Maphathe came as a surprise considering they will not play MTN8 this coming weekend, and despite creating chances against a 10-man Kaizer Chiefs a 1-0 defeat ensued. SuperSport will field their strongest lineup yet to earn their first three points.
Matsatsansa faces Sundowns this weekend unable to field a host of loaned players. Two draws and two losses do not bode well for coach Gavin Hunt, and this fifth result will stamp his return to the club as a current failure in my opinion. Based on their last trip to KZN SuperSport will suffer again, this time, at the hands of The Natal Rich Boyz.
